New Balance 1080 v3 Product Review

Short Take

Plush and cushioned is the name of the game with the New Balance 1080 v3, a premium neutral trainer built for high mileage comfort.

Big Updates

Added Cushioning: The introduction of an ABZORB Crash Pad in the heel improves protection on heelstrike and increases durability.

Increased Breathability: A new open mesh upper provides an airy environment for long-lasting comfort.

Reduced Weight: The v3 drops below the 10 oz mark to 9.3 oz in a Men’s size 9, and down to 8.8 oz for a Women’s size 8.

Updated Aesthetics: The 1080 drops its previous look for a more wild, geometrically engaging design.

Road Test

Straight outta the Northeastern United States, assembled at one of the five manufacturing plants New Balance operates domestically, comes the latest update to their premium neutral trainer: the 1080 v3. A plush shoe for runners demanding a lavish environment for their feet, the v3 is packed with technology to keep its wearer comfortable and protected from the ground as the miles rack up.

The v3 fits snuggly around the forefoot – the plush and pillowy upper easily accepts a foot of most any shape. Several testers found the heel to fit a bit wider despite the thick padding surrounding the collar. Lacing the rearmost eyelets is an easy fix if you find a bit too much room in the heel.

Delivering a cushioned ride is undoubtedly the forte of the v3. Those who’ve run in the 1080 v2 will remember its protective and smooth ride, and side-by-side comparisons have shown that little has changed with its successor, besides a welcome drop in weight. The cushioning is soft without the feeling of your foot sinking into foam. Rather, the shoe provides a welcome amount of rebound for increased energy return that moves you forward.

We’ve cringed at shoes in the past that are overloaded with tech, resulting in a clunky and heavy piece of work that borders on unrunnable. The 1080 v3 never feels this way – we’ve found its features to work in synch with each other to deliver a pleasant and enjoyable running experience.